Police have issued dozens of infringement notices following a high-visibility traffic enforcement operation across the Lockyer Valley on July 24, aimed at reducing road trauma and encouraging safer driving behaviours.
As part of Operation Interpose, officers conducted 811 random breath tests and five roadside drug tests, resulting in 36 Traffic Infringement Notices (TINs) being issued for a range of traffic offences.
The operation formed part of ongoing efforts to target dangerous driving behaviours and increase police visibility on local roads, with officers focused on keeping all road users safe.
Around 1.50pm, police were conducting patrols at Grantham when they detected a silver Toyota Hilux allegedly travelling at 145km/h in a 100km/h zone along the Warrego Highway.
The driver, a 22-year-old Yatala man was issued with a traffic infringement notice for exceeding the speed limit by more than 40km.
He was fined $1986 along with a loss of eight demerit points, and had his licence suspended for six months.
Around 8.10pm, police were conducting patrols at Hatton Vale when they detected a grey Ford Falcon allegedly travelling at 132km/h in a 80km/h zone along the Warrego Highway.
The driver, a 20-year-old P Plater from Bundamba was issued with a traffic infringement notice for exceeding the speed limit by more than 40km and issued a $1986 fine.
He was also charged with one count of driving while suspended and is due to appear before the Gatton Magistrates Court on 25 August.
Around 7pm on 29 July, Ipswich police intercepted the same vehicle and driver at a service station on Hawkins Crescent in Bundamba where it is alleged the man returned a positive roadside breath test.
Upon completing a secondary breath analysis, it will be alleged the man produced a breath analysis result of 0.39%, placing him over the legal alcohol limit.
He was further charged with one count of drink driving and driving whilst disqualified and appeared in the Ipswich Magistrates Court on 30 July.
Darling Downs District Officer Acting Superintendent Kelly Hanlen said every traffic operation was an opportunity to remind motorists that safe driving saves lives.
“Every decision you make behind the wheel has the potential to affect not only your own safety, but the safety of everyone else using our roads,” Acting Superintendent Hanlen said.
“While it’s pleasing that the vast majority of motorists did the right thing, the number of infringement notices issued shows there are still drivers taking unnecessary risks.
“Our officers will continue to conduct highly visible road policing activities throughout the Darling Downs District because reducing road trauma remains a priority. We want everyone to make good choices and arrive at their destination safely.”
The Queensland Police Service is committed to reducing the number of lives lost on our roads.
As part of Operation Interpose, police are bolstering high-visibility patrols right across the state, engaging with road users and enforcing the laws to deter dangerous driving behaviours.
Queenslanders can expect police – anywhere, anytime. However, enforcement alone cannot stop all dangerous driving behaviours.
Driving under the influence, speeding, driving distracted or while fatigued, or not wearing a seatbelt puts your life – and the lives of others – at serious risk. These dangerous behaviours will not be tolerated.
Road safety starts with you.
